Published January 17, 2025
By Our Correspondent
The Kwara State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing residents with adequate potable water to enhance healthy living and improve sanitation across the state.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Usman Yunusa Lade, during the State Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room.
Highlighting key achievements, Hon. Lade announced that the Irra and Erin-Ile Waterworks have been completely rehabilitated, while work is ongoing on the desilted Sobi Waterworks. He further disclosed that the Lafiagi and Zambufu Waterworks have been completed, with residents in these communities now enjoying uninterrupted access to potable water.
The Commissioner also revealed significant upgrades at the Asa-Dam and Agba-Dam treatment plants, which have improved water quality and distribution within the Ilorin metropolis.
“The state government has equally handed over the Otte-Oja/Budo Egba and Omu-Aran Waterworks in Asa and Oyun Local Government Areas to contractors for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Additionally, several hand and motorized boreholes have been drilled across the state to further enhance water supply to the people,” Lade stated.
In efforts to eliminate open defecation and improve hygiene, the state government has constructed three prototype lavatories in Ajikobi, Alanamu, and Eruda communities in Ilorin metropolis. These facilities are complemented by smart VIP toilets in various other communities.
“These projects demonstrate our determination to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status for all local government areas in Kwara State,” Lade emphasized.
Hon. Lade also announced that Kwara State is among the beneficiaries of a $500,000 World Bank grant through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme. The grant will support staff capacity building, institutional strengthening, and the enhancement of the state’s water and sanitation sector.
Additionally, the state government, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has commenced the implementation of the WASH project through the State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA). According to the Commissioner, the initiative aims to expand water and sanitation services to underserved communities, further showcasing the state government’s commitment to sustainable development.
“These efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable water and sanitation services across Kwara State,” Lade concluded.
